This week in drone news, the Airbus Zephyr has completed 60 days of flying so far, DJI Avata accessories leaked by Adorama, another drone smuggling attempt, more PI content coming to the Photography and videography course, and the upcoming Commercial UAV Expo! 

The Zephyr drone is still flying!

82’ wingspan, 165lbs.

Solar powered

This is the same drone (and same flight) that flew to Belize and back.

The previous record for a sustained UAS flight was 26 days… we’ve passed 60 days now.

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/armys-zephyr-drone-is-still-aloft-after-50-days

These leaks show the Avata accessories!

Looks like parts including new props, ducts/propeller guards, and the “upper frame” are available for purchase

Extra batteries, fly more combos, ND filters, and a battery hub are also available. 

https://dronexl.co/2022/08/16/9-dji-avata-accessories-pricing-adorama/

DJI Battery Charging Hub for Avata Intelligent Flight Battery – $59

DJI Propellers for Avata Drone – $9

DJI ND Filter Set with ND8, ND16, ND32 for DJI Avata drone – $79

DJI 2420mAh Intelligent Flight Battery for Avata Drone – $129

DJI Fly More Kit w/2x Intelligent Flight Battery & Charging Hub for Avata Drone – $279

DJI Headband for Avata Goggles 2 – $19

DJI Propeller Guard for Avata Drone – $29

DJI Upper Frame for Avata Drone – $19

DJI 1800mAh Battery for Avata Goggles 2 – $39

Another smuggling attempt via drone was stopped this week in Fort Worth, Texas.

A man attempted to smuggle contraband into a prison including drugs, smartphones, and MP3 players.

Flight logs from the drone show that it was flown over a number of other correctional facilities previously. 

https://www.kxan.com/news/texas/texas-man-accused-of-flying-drone-over-federal-prison-to-deliver-drugs-other-contraband/

Don, Greg, and Jason (and DSPA!) will be attending Commercial UAV Expo this year!

The Expo will have at least 193 exhibitors and project at least 200+ will actually fill the floor, a 50% increase over last year and a record-sized show.  

It is the most important commercial drone show ever held in the Americas.  Our attendance is also tracking at a record level, and our full-conference registration is way ahead of last year.